The Bound Between Us

Chapter 845

Autumn's nerves weren't an act she was genuinely anxious about Daria.

Anastasia noticed right away. It seemed a bit over the top; Autumn had never been this tense, especially meeting Daria for the first time.

Katelyn strolled over, trying to keep things light. "Kids are always running into things. It's normal-no need to fuss."

She waved the nanny over. "Why don't you take Daria outside to play? Let us enjoy our tea for a bit."

The nanny moved to pick up Daria, but Autumn clung to her, a little too tightly. "She's got such delicate skin-one little bump and she could get hurt. I really like this kid. Let me hold her a little longer."

She didn't want to hand Daria over, and Katelyn's comment stung. Easy for her to say, when it's not her own granddaughter.

But Daria wasn't interested in Autumn's affection. She started to cry, wriggling away, reaching for Anastasia. "I don't want you! I want my mom! Mommy!"

She really did treat Anastasia like her mom.

Daria's temper kicked in, and she even tried to smack Autumn's hands away.

Katelyn scolded, "Daria, you can't hit people! Just like your mom-you've both got a wild streak."

Autumn's face fell, stung by the slap and Katelyn's words about her

granddaughter.

"Mrs. Walker, let

melted into her arms as Anastasia carried her away, soothing

out of sight and earshot, Autumn's worry only grew. What if Anastasia lost her temper with Daria? What if something

outburst. "Don't let it get to you, Autumn. Daria's always been like

woke up, their cries echoing through the house- either hungry or in

called the nanny

Peace and quiet was out of

the little ones were settled and calm,

to Autumn with an apologetic smile. "Sorry about today. Next time, let's just meet

them, honestly. Mr. Walker and I never had any

it's just

gathered the kids and loaded them into the car, with Anastasia buckling in the backseat

way home, Anastasia said offhandedly, "Mom, Mrs. Walker really seems to care about Daria. She

maybe that's why. Anyway, let's drop Daria

Daria was

She couldn't shake the feeling that Autumn treated Daria differently. If Autumn just

Anastasia brought Daria back inside, she'd seen the look on Autumn's face-clear annoyance,

when the twins finally quieted down and behaved, Autumn didn't try to play with them either. Most

put it gently. "Mom, maybe next time you and Mrs. Walker meet,